Prairie du Chien in Crawford County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

REPLACED

CHECK OTHERS NEARBY

Villa Louis

Photographed by Gordon Govier, circa April 1967

1. Villa Louis Marker

Inscription. On the site of old Fort Crawford, Col. Hercules Louis Dousman, important agent in John J. Astor's fur company, built his "house on the mound" in 1843. Later it was named Villa Louis. Today this luxurious mansion appears much as it did in the days when it was a brilliant center of social activity, even while the pioneer lived side by side with the Indians.

Erected 1953 by the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. (Marker Number 10.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1843.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 43° 3.39′ N, 91° 9.463′ W. Marker was in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, in Crawford County. It was on North Villa Louis Road north of Bolvin Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 521 North Villa Louis Road, Prairie du Chien WI 53821, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Corn Belt,

in the Driftless Area — Bluff Country,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it was in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: A different marker also named Villa Louis (here, next to this marker); A Country Estate (within shouting distance of this marker); American Indians

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); War of 1812 (about 300 feet away); Fort Crawford (approx. 0.3 miles away); Smoke stacks and paddle wheels (approx. 0.3 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); Prairie du Chien (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Prairie du Chien.

More about this marker. This original 1953 marker was replaced with a revised 2002 two-sided marker with the same title.

Photographed by Keith L, October 7, 2009

2. Villa Louis

Credits. This page was last revised on February 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,566 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 24, 2012, by Gordon Govier of Fitchburg, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on October 24, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.